Accomplishments

Forming the Network
In the late 1990’s teachers in the Creswell School District initiated field based education. This innovation in education has many exciting features; (1) students discover a joy in learning through a hands on approach to education, (2) teachers work in teams and teach students work and life skills critical to becoming productive adults and (3) students learn social responsibility as the importance of quality of relationships is embedded in the Discovery design. Upon reflection, Creswell educators and community leaders decided to support field based science education by creating a not-for-profit organization ... Camas Educational Network.

Discovery Projects
*Outreach & Education: *Service Learning:
CEN leads tours to local natural areas to explain ecological values to school groups. In partnership with the Friends of Buford Park and Mt. Pisgah - The CEN coordinated service learning projects with students from Creswell Middle School, Jefferson Middle School, Sheldon High School, Churchill High School, Springfield High School, Oregon Youth Conservation Coprs, and girl/boy scout groups between April 2000 and May 2001, over 2000 hours were contributed to habitat stewardship.

Design & Propagation:
CEN is working with students of the Rachel Carson Center for Natural Resources (Chruchill High School) on habitat design considerations and the propagation of native plants.

Oregon White Oak Acorn Survey:
Beginning in the fall of 2001 the CEN will begin a (10) year survey and assessment of Oregon white oak acorn production in Corvallis, Creswell, and Eugene. This project is a part of an on-going study coordinated by the US Forest Service - Olympia forestry sciences lab.

Mitigation Bank
* Purpose *Prospectus *Project
To provide a funding mechanism to reimburse financial expenses associated with the stewardship of habitat values on primary and secondary school campuses.

Is a document that outlines operations of the bank for review by State and Federal Regulatory agents, completed Fall 2000. Negotiations to authorize operation of the bank are underway.